Odd addition to the Vent line

[Stkelsey]

I've had my truck for about 6 months now. I started noticing a stronger and stronger smell of gas after about 15 minutes of operation. It didn't take me long to find the culprit. I had gas literally pouring out of the prefilter on my air cleaner. (I have the old style air cleaner) Upon further inspection I found that the fuel vent line coming from the fuel pump was pouring gas into the prefilter, so much that the pan of the air filter had about 3 or 4 tablespoons lying on the bottom as well. I took a closer look and discovered what looked like steel wool shoved into the vent?? hole on the bottom of the air cleaner. I removed the steel wool only to find it completely clogged. I searched through the manulas found only on this <AWESOME WEBSITE> and couldn't see any reason for this "addition" being in place. I removed the steel wool, fired up my truck, and "I'm in lOVE"...Man it's like a completely different rig! Runs smoother, idles like a kitten, even runs quieter! I'm wondering if anyone has seen this before? The vacuum lines leading to the carb and air cleaner were missing some clamps, replaced and WOW!!! What a total difference. I've included some pictures to illistrate what I am looking at on my truck. I'm starting to get into some more serious restore and tuneup, so stand by experts! Great site and I'm so glad to be a part of it!
<I can't figure out how to post the pics I took>Oh wise ones?